In this week’s Torah portion, we have the passing of Sara, the mother of our nation. Avraham has to now negotiate for a burial place for her and take care of the funeral. Imagine his emotional stamina – he just came from the emotional roller coaster of Akaydas Yitzchok to find his wife dead. He’s alone. But if you see how he speaks, you see a gentleman. Michtav Me’eliyahu (Rav Dessler) says that we learn from Avraham that a Jew must always be dignified, respectful and control himself.

Contrast that with some of the outlaw behavior when things go wrong for some folks.

Desperado behavior is never the modus operandi of a spiritually refined person.